Carolina Spotlight: Charles Bloom

Charles Bloom joined the Athletics Department this year as senior associate athletics director of external affairs, returning to Columbia from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in Birmingham, Ala. He brought with him his love for the Gamecocks (he’s an alumnus) and his passion for helping the United Way. He’s been outspoken about the United Way as the university continues its annual campaign to raise funds for the charity.

Why he became involved with the United Way: “The SEC is really owned by its 14 schools so there’s a lot of traveling. I was looking for a way to help out in the Birmingham community – there isn’t an SEC school in Birmingham – so I volunteered with the United Way. I wanted to establish roots in the community.”

His background in United Way: Bloom worked with the Birmingham organization in its Visiting Allocation Team, spending time at individual agencies in the community. Bloom says this experience allowed him to see firsthand the work of the United Way.

Why stick with the organization in Columbia: “From my work with the organization, I’ve become a big fan of the United Way and its work in the community. The people are gracious. The work is honorable.”

Why Carolina? “It is my alma mater and it’s a great job. Having Coach Tanner as the athletic director – well, it was an easy sell for him and an easy buy for me. For me, personally, my background has been mostly in the media and public relations realm and it gave me an opportunity to come here and expand my horizons in the university setting.”

Interesting fact: His daughter, a sophomore at the University of Alabama, will be transferring to USC in the fall to join her family.

--Liz McCarthy

Carolina Spotlight is a new feature for USC Day Times, highlighting faculty and staff members, students and alumni who truly represent Carolina's spirit. Do you know someone who embodies the USC brand? Recommend them for our next Caroliana Spotlight: lizmccarthy@sc.edu.